'Significant Step' Taken Towards Ending Domestic Abuse - Doherty

Fine Gael TD Regina Doherty has stated Ireland's signature of the Istanbul Convention is a 'significant' step towards tackling domestic violence.

Ms Doherty revealed one in five women in Ireland is affected by domestic abuse. However, by signing the convention, Ms Doherty said the government is taking an "important step" towards tackling abuse.

"The signing of the convention reaffirms the commitment of Government to foster a culture and to implement meaningful changes which can help reduce the incidence of domestic violence, better support victims and bring the perpetrators to justice," she said.

"The Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald has today announced an Action Plan for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in Ireland. It outlines the steps required to fully ratify the convention, which include:

• A range of legislative measures including the new Domestic Violence Bill and the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill;

• Provision of education and training of public sector staff involved in this area;

• Development and delivery of training for legal professionals;

• Implementation of co-ordinated, integrated national helpline service provision for responding to domestic and sexual violence

·• Development of a Risk Assessment Matrix by An Garda Síochána.

Ms Doherty concluded: "It is also important to note that today marks an important milestone for all those who have campaigned for better protections and supports for victims of domestic violence. I commend those people and reaffirm my support for the very important work they do."

(LM)